Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clute, TX (2024 Update)
- Clute Solar Installation Cost: $17,014
- 25-Year Savings: $23,444
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clute
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Clute.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Clute is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Clute, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,014, or $24,330 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Clute homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clute
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,593 |
| 3 years | $-12,750 |
| 5 years | $-9,908 |
| 7 years | $-7,066 |
| 9 years | $-4,224 |
| 11 years | $-1,382 |
| 13 years | $1,460 |
| 15 years | $4,302 |
| 17 years | $7,145 |
| 19 years | $9,987 |
| 21 years | $12,829 |
| 23 years | $15,671 |
| 25 years | $18,513 |
Top Solar Installers in Clute
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Clute:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Clute
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clute
The cost of installing a solar system in Clute can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,330. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clute, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clute to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Clute, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.46 | $14,545 | $16,024 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $21,739 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $27,640 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $33,727 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $40,001 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $46,461 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $53,108 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $59,942 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Clute, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Clute, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clute?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Clute?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.